Reading the signals one year on

On October 19 2022, Dr Bill Kirkup published his independent investigation into maternity and neonatal care provided from 2009 to 2020 in East Kent.

The publication of Reading the signals, the importance of the report and its findings remains just as profound and significant today.

The Trust Board has apologised unreservedly for the pain and devastating loss endured by the families and for the failures of the Board to effectively act. Losing a baby has an immeasurable impact on women and their families and whilst the Trust Board has apologised, the impact of these outcomes can never be altered and for this we are truly sorry.

This report, written one year on in October 2023, describes the work we are doing, the improvements we have made and where we still have work to do.

We remain determined to use the lessons in Reading the signals to put things right, to make improvements and make sure that we always listen to patients, their families and staff when they raise concerns.

Download the One Year On Reading the Signals Report